SISA SALGADO
Sisa, born in Ecuador and currently based in New York, is a traditional dancer, anthropologist and cultural researcher whose journey through cultural exploration has been marked by dedication, cross-cultural experiences, and a deep commitment to preserving and sharing the world's diverse artistic traditions.
Sisa holds a Master's Degree in Anthropology and a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Development. She is a member of UNESCO’s International Dance Council.
Sisa's path in dance, anthropology and research began in 2010 when she immersed herself in various projects of cultural preservation in South America. Through her involvement in areas of intangible heritage among indigenous communities, she honed her skills and developed a strong foundation in artistic research.
Over the years, Sisa embarked on extensive travels across the globe to delve into different cultures and traditional dances. She has lived in various communities in Asia and recently in Africa, leading artistic projects and conducting cultural research.
Sisa's thirst for knowledge and cultural exchange took her to Bali, Indonesia, where she studied classical Balinese dance at the Indonesian Institute of Performing Arts. She further expanded her repertoire by embracing Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian classical dance, at the Indian Cultural Center in Indonesia.
Continuing her journey through Asia, she immersed herself in Tibetan traditional dance and opera at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in Dharamsala, India. She also explored Kathakali classical dance at Kalamandalam University of Art and Culture in Kerala, India, deepening her understanding of South Asian performing arts.
Mongolia beckoned with its rich nomadic traditions, leading Sisa to study traditional Mongolian dance with the Mongolian Arts Council across the Gobi Desert and Altai Mountains. She also explored dances across historical migratory routes of the Chukchi and Yupik nomads of the Russian Arctic, in collaboration with the Ergyron Company.
Morocco introduced her to the captivating world of traditional Berber dance, while West Africa became a focal point of her latest artistic exploration. Sisa undertook artistic residencies in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Senegal in 2022, where she absorbed the vibrant rhythms and cultural expressions of the region.
Her contributions as an educator include visiting professorships at prestigious institutions like St. Lawrence University, the National University of Singapore, Universidad de las Artes, among others.
One of Sisa's most ambitious projects is "The Dance Road," where she engages in artistic research and anthropology of traditional dances across the globe. Her extensive travels along migratory and commercial routes have been documented and presented at the National Geographic Society, highlighting the profound cultural significance of dance in different societies.
Sisa's ability to bridge cultures and communicate through the universal language of dance, has earned her recognition and support from esteemed institutions like UNESCO, the New York Folklore, the New York State Council for the Arts, and the Ministry of Culture of Ecuador.
In 2025, Sisa launched her current artistic project in Japan to delve into the traditions of Kagura of the Shinto religion. With the goal of promoting cultural understanding between Japan, the United States and Ecuador, this journey is supported by the Japan Cultural Center in Ecuador and the Japan Arts Council.
Sisa Salgado is not merely an anthropologist, but a global cultural ambassador and a custodian of diverse cultural traditions. Her life's work stands as a testament to the power of dance as a means of bridging cultures and preserving the rich tapestry of our shared human heritage.